Alobariatrics

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a technique that uses just one small incision to perform gastric sleeve surgery and more.

Dr. Alejandro López can minimize your risks, downtime, and scarring by using this technique when performing your bariatric surgery.

Our Tijuana, Mexico-based practice invites you to learn more about how SILS can benefit you.

What Is Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)?

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a new step forward in laparoscopic techniques. Using SILS, a bariatric surgeon can complete a gastric sleeve surgery using only one small incision. All surgical instruments can be inserted through this single incision, meaning even less scarring than the laparoscopic techniques of the past.

This incision is hidden in the belly button, meaning that any scars will be hidden. In fact, no one will notice a scar even if you are shirtless or your midriff is exposed. This advanced single-incision technique is available at our locations in Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta.

The Benefits of SILS

See the Difference We Can Make

AN ACTUAL SILS GASTRIC SLEEVE PATIENT

Before Weight Loss Surgery
After Weight Loss Surgery
SILS makes it possible to perform a sleeve gastrectomy with just one small incision in the navel. While single-incision surgery costs more than traditional laparoscopic surgery, many patients who visit our bariatric centers in Mexico feel the benefits justify the cost. We can discuss this technique in more detail during your consultation. We have offices in Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta.

Want More Information About SILS?

OUR SURGEONS CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

With SILS, you don’t have to imagine.

ALO Bariatrics has offices in Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta. Our doctors can perform a single-incision gastric sleeve and help you reduce your body mass and address obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.

To learn more about the services available at our Mexico bariatric surgery centers, contact our practice today. You can also reach our team by phone.

Call Us Today

Patients Share Their Success Stories

ACCLAIMED SURGICAL CENTERS IN MEXICO

William Providence
William Providence
2019
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I'm from Denver, Colorado I had gastric sleeve surgery with ALO Bariatrics in Guadalajara, Mexico and it went so smoothly. The facilities they use are state of the art, they have the proper equipment, team and care just like here in the United States. Everything is top notch. The surgeons are top notch. The facility is top notch. The equipment is top notch. The service is top notch. They eliminate all the risks of doing surgery in Mexico and treat you so well.
lynnlv89110
lynnlv89110
2019
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My experience was amazing! Loved the whole staff! Superb care. Dr. Lopez still offers advice to his patients post-op. Clean facility, the nurses take really of their patients. I had better care south of the border than I've had in the states! Down 140 ugly pounds!

SILS vs. Other Surgical Techniques

SILS has advantages over open surgery and traditional laparoscopic surgery techniques. Let’s note some of the key differences.

OPEN SURGERY

Open surgery requires a large incision along the abdomen that may be 6 to 8 inches in length. In addition to increased blood loss during surgery, open surgery typically involves cutting through abdominal muscles and the abdominal wall, which means more discomfort after surgery and longer healing times.

TRADITIONAL LAPAROSCOPY

Traditional laparoscopic surgery techniques require multiple incisions in different areas of the abdomen that are 1 to 2 centimeters in length. While traditional laparoscopic techniques are preferable to open surgery, they still require more incisions than SILS, including incisions on the abdomen itself.

Can I Have SILS?

CANDIDACY FOR SINGLE-INCISION WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

Although the benefits of using this laparoscopic surgery technique to perform gastric sleeve surgery and other bariatric surgery procedures are attractive to most patients, it’s not right for everyone. 

For example, SILS may not be recommended if you:

  • Have dense scar tissue resulting from previous abdominal surgeries. (Note that our technology can allow us to provide SILS in some of these cases).
  • Have a BMI higher than 40
 

Your safety is our first concern, so you can expect to undergo a detailed evaluation to determine if SILS or another technique is best in your case. We provide services in Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta.

Another Dramatic Transformation

MORE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

Before Bariatric Surgery
After Bariatric Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery may be just what you need to lose weight quickly and safely. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy allows you to experience the benefits of weight loss with less scarring and fast recovery times. With the current exchange rate in Mexico, you can undergo bariatric surgery at our Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta offices and save thousands of dollars.

How SILS Works

ANESTHESIA

You will receive general anesthesia prior to surgery in order to maintain your comfort.

THE INCISION

SILS only requires your surgeon to create one very small incision in your navel. Following recovery, the resulting scar is virtually unnoticeable.

LAPAROSCOPIC CAMERA INSERTION

A laparoscope is a tiny camera on the end of a flexible tube. This will be inserted through the small incision so it can provide a high-definition view of the treatment area via a video monitor in the operatory.

SURGICAL ALTERATIONS

Next, your surgeon uses small and exceptionally articulate surgical tools to make the necessary alterations to your digestive tract and prepare your body for rapid weight loss. In the case of gastric sleeve, your surgeon will remove tissue to reduce the capacity of your stomach by about 80 percent.

SUTURES

Once the necessary alterations are complete, the laparoscope and tools are withdrawn and the small incision is sutured closed.

Make a Meaningful Change

CONTACT ALO BARIATRICS TODAY

Single-incision gastric sleeve surgery can make a positive difference in your life. If you want to take the next step in your weight loss journey, the team at ALO Bariatrics can help. With three offices in Mexico, patients can save money without compromising safety or quality. To learn more about single-incision bariatric surgery, contact our offices online. You can also reach our locations in Tijuana, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta by phone.

Call Us Today

5-Star Reviews

Jim Kirkbride
Jim Kirkbride
2021
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I highly recommend the team at ALO Bariatrics. Sandra is amazing at providing details and ensuring you are their #1 priority. Dr Lopez is a gifted surgeon with vast experience in bariatric procedures. The Tijuana facilities are clean, safe, well staffed and dedicated to protecting the patients’ dignity and care. If you are thinking about weight loss surgery as a health or cosmetic option, ALO should be your choice.
LaToya Stamper
LaToya Stamper
2021
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I would recommend this practice go anyone seeking bariatric surgery. Dr. Lopez and the hospital staff at Hospital Guadalajara were great, and my coordinator Sandra was awesome. I felt safe the entire time and the hotel staff at the Marriott provided the best service Ive ever had at a hotel. No regrets here.

Why Choose ALO Bariatrics?

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Alejandro López has performed more than 7,000 bariatric surgeries. He is experienced in open, single-incision, and multiple-incision laparoscopic surgeries. You should trust your care to a surgeon versed in each approach.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Our bariatric surgeons have studied and trained in some of North America’s most prestigious institutions. Dr. López completed fellowship training in bariatric surgery at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital.

TECHNOLOGY

We use the best technology for SILS in order to accommodate special cases involving umbilical hernias or previous tummy tuck surgeries. Our aim is to help as many patients as possible safely experience the benefits of SILS.

Great Results, Satisfied Patients

ALO BARIATRICS IS HERE TO HELP YOU

Before Weight Loss Surgery
After Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric sleeve is one of the most popular and effective options for weight loss. SILS allows patients to experience the benefits of a sleeve gastrectomy with virtually no visible scars. We can discuss your candidacy for surgery during a consultation. Visiting our offices in Tijuana, Guadalajara, or Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, will feel less like a surgical stay and more like a vacation getaway.

How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Using SILS Cost?

The cost of incorporating SILS will add $1,500 to the cost of your surgery. However, if the SILS is booked at the same time as the surgery (as opposed to deciding to incorporate SILS after booking your surgery), you can save $500.

We pride ourselves on being very transparent when it comes to the cost of gastric bypass and other types of weight loss surgery at ALO Bariatrics, headquartered in Tijuana. Below, you will find pricing for each of our weight loss surgery procedures:

LocationGastric SleeveGastric BypassDuodenal SwitchLAP-BAND
Tijuana$4,900$6,500$7,500$5,900
Puerto Vallarta$4,900$6,500$7,500$5,900
Guadalajara – Puerta de Hierro$4,900$6,500$7,500$5,900

"I'm Forever Grateful."

I received the best care at ALO Bariatrics TJ location, the whole medical staff amazing! I promise you will not regret allowing them to give you the tool to kick obesity out of your life. I’m forever grateful. The doctors at ALO are very humble and driver is super nice.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy 6/18/18
Heaviest Weight 275 (4/18 when I paid deposit)
Surgery Weight 248.6

– Jennifer Tawdi, 5-Star Google Review

 

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) FAQs

Is SILS worth the added cost?

This varies from patient to patient based on their goals. While an additional $1,500 may not seem worth it to some people, the ability to be shirtless or wear certain tops without any visible scars may be worth the price to you. Keep in mind that even with the added SILS charge, you still pay less for surgery if you're visiting from across the border thanks to the exchange rate in Mexico.

Can I sleep on my side or stomach after SILS?

As with any bariatric procedure, you will need to sleep in a semi-seated position after a single-incision laparoscopic sleeve. You won't be able to sleep on your stomach for at least two to three weeks. Our bariatric surgeons can provide more detailed recovery and aftercare instructions during the consultation process.

Will people see my SILS scar?

It is unlikely that anyone will see your SILS scar. Concealing the incision in the navel keeps the scar tissue virtually undetectable unless someone knows what to look for.

Is a SILS bariatric procedure a minor surgery?

Even though there is just one incision, bariatric procedures are considered major surgeries. A bariatric surgeon is changing the size of your stomach and possibly rerouting part of your small intestine. Think of SILS as a technique that results in minor scarring for a major procedure.

Is SILS painful?

SILS is no more painful than other laparoscopic surgeries. After receiving sedation and anesthesia, patients will feel no pain during their surgery. By taking pain relievers as directed and following your post-op instructions closely, you can greatly reduce discomfort in the first weeks after the procedure.